Inclusivity Programme

'At LISA we provide free Inclusion Sports and education and coproduction at our Academy. We focus on addressing health inequality and supporting people to live with improved opportunities and dignity. We have been working with Park Sports at The Regent’s Park venue for over 18 months.

Park Sports initially reached out to us asking “how they could help!” This was great. We could tell from the off that his team and organisation had the values and drive to work with our members. We have had a consistently great experience with them, and the venue is now an important part of our offer.

There is no criteria to be a member at LISA. The members who come to the tennis at Park Sports The Regent’s Park were mainly referred in from across Camden, Islington and Westminster, from a range of pathways including learning disability partnerships, community mental health teams and Core teams.

Our members love going to Regent’s Park to play tennis. The centre is a beautiful, amazing place with a great atmosphere and team. The coaching team always deliver sessions that play to everyone’s strengths, blend fun, competition and development. Our members are always made to feel welcome and are clearly a valued part of the wider Park Sports Community.

Over the last 18 months our members have become tennis players, coaches and friends. Ben will be entering the Special Olympics tennis this year, and we have two people who are applying to take Level 1 Coaching badges. We look forward to further developing the partnership with Park Sports and have far ranging aims from Special Olympics tennis to sports days and social events.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Park Sports team for their ongoing support. Thank you!

If you would like more information on our free Inclusion Sport or would like to work with us please reach out to info@lisahub.org.uk.'

Tom Coughlan (LISA Head of Communities)
Written with support from LISA’s Youth Leadership Team and the tennis membership.

'I am delighted to share my appreciation for Park Sports and their incredible work with the students. Their team have shown exceptional patience, empathy, and skill in working with our students, many of whom have unique learning needs. They have gone above and beyond to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and motivated to improve.

What stands out the most is the coaches’ ability to adapt their coaching style and to suit the individual needs of each student, whether they are learning to develop basic motor skills or refining their technique. They make tennis fun and accessible for all, focusing on building confidence, teamwork, and communication skills among the students. The students look forward to every session.

Thanks to Park Sports, we've seen incredible growth in our students' tennis abilities and personal development. Their dedication to providing a supportive and engaging experience has had a positive impact on our students. I wholeheartedly recommend Park Sports to any SEND school looking for a knowledgeable, caring, and inspiring coach for their students.'

Alessia Lannacci (Swiss Cottage SEND School)

Turning Point UK is a leading social enterprise, designing and delivering health and social care services in the fields of substance use, mental health, learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury, sexual health, homelessness, healthy lifestyles, and employment.

Building on 60 years of experience, Turning Point UK has expertise in providing innovative, integrated support in a variety of settings, including people’s homes, workplaces, communities, and specialist environments.

Park Sports hosts free, coach-led sessions every Tuesday at Hyde Park for recovering drug and alcohol addicts.

Turning Point Participant Testimonial:

“Starting the tennis group for me has helped me learn a new skill/sport and expanded my knowledge. It's fun and has given me even more structure and routine to my week and keeping busy is key to my recovery. It’s in an amazing location and it's wonderful that you have given us this opportunity in Hyde Park which I'd imagine would normally be difficult to come by. I love the way the coach encourages interaction through health competition connection and engagement with others. It’s helping my fitness and flexibility and ultimately my mental health wellbeing and recovery. Thank you so much.”